From the Forum: What Are the Rules for Using a Public Sidewalk and Street as a Loading Dock?
A Brownstoner reader in Gowanus thinks a nearby business is abusing its use of a designated loading spot on the street. Gres writes: I live in Gowanus on a mixed residential/commercial street (M2-1 Zone). Across the street there is a business which uses the street as a make-shift loading dock by leaving pallets of paper…
A Brownstoner reader in Gowanus thinks a nearby business is abusing its use of a designated loading spot on the street.
Gres writes:
I live in Gowanus on a mixed residential/commercial street (M2-1 Zone). Across the street there is a business which uses the street as a make-shift loading dock by leaving pallets of paper and office supplies on the street for hours…sometimes the width of two cars. They also leave them on the sidewalk, but leave a very narrow alley for pedestrians to walk through. This wouldn’t be a big deal, but the mess outside and the semi-trucks that attempt to unload cause traffic jams and lots of honking. Not to mention, some of the pallets have goods that reach 10 feet in the air and I worry it’s a safety hazard. They also operate a fork lift that whips up and down the sidewalk, through neighboring property and into the street.
They have two signs (which appear to be filed through the DOT) that designate the spot in front of their building for trucks unloading/loading. However, it’s not actually used for this purpose and instead it is being used to keep the spot free to continue using the street as their loading dock. Is there a way to challenge their signs, or have them reviewed? Or maybe a better channel for making complaints other than 311.
It’s becoming quite a nuisance as they begin at 5 a.m. and end around 7 p.m. We have spoken to the business multiple times but they more or less laugh us off.
Who’s in the right here? Is there anything the reader can do? Share your thoughts in the original post.
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I would call 311 to start. If they can’t give you any guidance, call the Buildings Dept. and file a nuisance complaint. See what that kicks up.